A Family-friendly Weekend in Jonesboro

Known as the home of the Arkansas State University flagship campus, Jonesboro is more than just a college town. In eastern Arkansas, it stands out as a major city located on the unique topography of Crowley's Ridge.

Here's a weekend's worth of things to do in this northeast Arkansas town.

Friday Afternoon
Find out what on earth you're standing on, literally, at the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center (600 E. Lawson Road, www.crowleysridge.org, 870-933-6787). The center educates visitors about the natural history and wildlife of Crowley's Ridge and its contrast to the surrounding Delta. Don't miss the highlight of the center, a 16-minute film with animation and special effects. Take time to explore not just the exhibit area, observation tower, Discovery room and gift shop, but also the grounds. There are 5.5 acres of prairie, a 2.5-acre pond and about 100 acres of woodland with trails. Educational programs are offered daily, except for Mondays when the center is closed.

Friday Night
Old-fashioned hamburgers, malts and shakes are what Presley's (917 Gee St., 870-932-7835) is known for.

When you're ready to turn in, major hotels line the corridors and many have outdoor swimming pools, a feature kids often like as much as the attractions of the destination. For families with children over 12, try West Washington Guest House Bed and Breakfast (534 W. Washington Ave., www.bbonline.com, 870-935-9300), which offers a dozen unique guest rooms in a 1914-era residence. Or reserve a cabin in advance and stay in the state park at Crowley's Ridge.

Saturday Morning
Spend Saturday in the park before the sun gets too high and hot. Craighead Forest Park (4910 S. Culberhouse Road, www.jonesborosports.or/view/194, 870-933-4604) is a 692-acre, scenic city park with playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, disc golf and 60-acre Craighead Forest Lake. There's even a dog-jumping pier. Popular in the summer is the splash park, the perfect place to cool off if you do find yourself there in the heat of the day.

Saturday Afternoon
Couch's Corner Bar-B-Que (5323 E. Nettleton Ave., 870-932-0710) is a well-known joint in these parts. In fact, it's been a northeast Arkansas barbecue tradition since 1970.

An afternoon at On Target Family Sports Center (705 Joe Martin Expressway, 866-443-7503) involves an 18-hole miniature golf course with a waterfall and fountains, batting cages, driving ranges and a baseball practice field. After some sporting fun, the ASU Museum (100 Cooley Drive, www2.astate.edu/, 870-972-2074) can provide some culture. It's a member of the Arkansas Discovery Network, which brings to the museum temporary exhibits that are hands-on and interactive fun for all members of the family. Currently a portion of the program “Exploring the Frontier” is on display and includes a replica of a Native American canoe for kids to climb in.

Or, opt for an afternoon of shopping, with J. Christopher Toys 
(2801 S. Caraway Rd., www.jchristophertoys.com, 870-933-8726) sure to please kids of any age and Patty Cakes (2235 S. Caraway Rd., 870-932-3351) offering the latest styles in baby and children's clothing.  If Mom gets the afternoon off, check out the fashionable finds at Enhancements 
(1903 Grant Ave., www.enhancementsboutique.com, 870-972-8551;) and Steamroller Blues
(2614 E. Nettleton Ave., 870-935-9456) or stylish items for your home at Swank
 (3410 E. Johnson Ave., 870-336-1620) and Sara Howell Studio and Gallery (405 S. Main St., www.sarahowellgallery.net, 870-935-6336).

Saturday Night
Fuji Japanese Steak House (2810 E. Highland Drive, 870-972-5585) is a hot spot for dining, literally and figuratively, since chefs cook dinner right at your table.

Have a friendly, family competition at the Bowling Center (3102 Shelby Dr., www.jonesborobowl.com, 870-972-5270). Adding to the fun is the glow bowl option, where the regular lights are turned off and disco lights and black lights are turned on.

Sunday Morning
Head to Lake Frierson State Park (7904 Ark. 141, www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakefrierson, 870-932-2615) where you'll find a playground, self-guided trail and visitor center. Don't forget to pack a fishing pole. There is a barrier-free fishing pier and boat rental is available. Lake Frierson contains bass, bream, channel catfish and crappie, and is stocked annually by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Get some Munchy's (1320 S. Caraway Road, 870-932-5360), with steamed subs, cheese sticks and waffle fries for the road trip home.